“Make homes more affordable on Weymouth wages” – Neighbourhood Plan blog post
Make homes more affordable on Weymouth wages is a suggestion young people in Weymouth came up with when we asked them about the town’s future. This was part of drawing up the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) and NP Steering Group member Lara Wood tells us more about how she went about gaining their views. Those taking part include Holy Trinity, Radipole, Southill, Conifers, Wey Valley and Weymouth College.
“It was my pleasure to be asked to co-ordinate working with some of our Weymouth schools to gather ideas and aspirations for an even better future for Weymouth.
“In February 2022 I began communicating with the schools and educational settings in the Weymouth area (there are 11 x primary schools and five x secondary/6th form educational settings.) I was lucky enough to be welcomed into five schools/college to gather ideas from the students.
“I shared the hope that we can all make a difference in shaping the future of Weymouth and all ideas would be considered in the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan. The students rose to the challenge and in small groups they came up with many ideas that are included in each of the draft plan sections 7-11.
“Over the summer term of 2022, I visited classrooms and schools to work with years 5 and 6, years 8 and 9 and some post 16 students to gather their imaginative and innovative ideas for our homes, communities, jobs, environment and green spaces theme groups.
“The students’ ideas show mature and positive solutions to make our town better now and in the future. Some of the suggestions included “Make homes more affordable on Weymouth wages,” and “Landscape and plant up areas around new developments,” to “Join up existing cycle path network.”
Other ideas put forward by young people from Weymouth on new homes include – having bigger gardens so kids can run around, the use of solar panels to be more environmentally friendly, and a disability lift for people with disabilities
“Within the draft Neighbourhood Plan, ideas and aspirations made by our next generation have been included. It is now time for all residents to make further comments on the plan so far. Share your thoughts with us during the consultation which runs until 5pm on Friday 8th December. We need to hear your views – positive or constructive feedback, and help us to make the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan a development guideline that will benefit everyone who lives and works in wonderful Weymouth.”
The plan affects everyone who lives and works in Weymouth, so pop along to one our remaining engagement events:
Monday 27th November, 4.30pm to 6.30pm at Littlemoor Community Centre, Canberra Road.
Wednesday 29th November, 4.30pm to 6.30pm at St Aldhelm’s Church Hall, Spa Road.
Monday 4th December, 6pm to 8pm in the Council Chamber, The New Town Hall, Commercial Road.
Read the plan then complete the short survey by 5pm on Friday 8th December: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LKTT63N
ENDS